Training for climate justice
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YOUNG ACTIVISTS TRAINED FOR PEACE AND CLIMATE JUSTICE IN BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
From 13 to 14 February 2026, the city of Beni hosted a capacity-building workshop bringing together 25 young activists committed to peace, social justice and environmental protection. Over two days, these young people received practical training aimed at strengthening their leadership, community organising and civic advocacy skills.
In a context marked by security, social and environmental challenges, this workshop was intended as a space for learning and mobilisation for young people determined to play an active role in transforming their community.
Training young people to become agents of peace.
The first day of the workshop, 13 February, was devoted to three training sessions essential for civic engagement.
Peacebuilding: Building peace at the local level.
The first session focused on peacebuilding and the role of young people in conflict prevention. Participants discussed the causes of tensions in their communities and ways to promote dialogue, tolerance and social cohesion.
Examples of local initiatives were shared to show that young people can play a decisive role in the peaceful resolution of disputes and in creating a climate of trust between populations.
Community organising: Mobilising communities.
The second session was devoted to community organising. Participants learned how to structure a group, define clear objectives and mobilise residents around concrete actions.
Discussions focused on youth leadership, citizen participation and the importance of working with local actors, including community leaders, associations and schools.
Petitions and their impact: Making citizens' voices heard
The third session addressed the use of petitions as an advocacy tool. Participants learned how to identify a problem, formulate a clear demand and mobilise signatures to influence decisions.
This training showed that citizens, even without significant resources, can make legitimate demands and bring about change through peaceful and organised action.
A march to move from training to action
On 14 February, participants put their knowledge into practice by organising a peaceful march in the city of Beni. This mobilisation aimed to raise awareness among the population about the issues of peace, social justice and environmental protection.
Armed with awareness-raising messages, the young people expressed their desire to contribute to a more just, responsible and peaceful society. The march provided an opportunity for dialogue with local residents and showed that young people are ready to commit to positive causes.
Creating a network of committed young leaders
Beyond the training sessions, the workshop was an opportunity for participants to meet, share their experiences and forge lasting bonds.
Several young people expressed their willingness to continue collaborating after the workshop through local awareness-raising initiatives, community actions and advocacy campaigns.
This collective dynamic is one of the most important outcomes of the activity: the creation of a network of young leaders capable of working together to improve living conditions in their communities.
A youth ready to take responsibility
This workshop demonstrated that the young people of Beni no longer want to remain spectators of the problems affecting their society. They want to be agents of change, capable of promoting peace, mobilising their communities and defending just causes.
By strengthening their skills and confidence, this activity has helped to bring forth a generation of young activists who are better prepared to take on local challenges.
In Beni, these 25 young people sent a clear message: young people are ready to unite, organise and take action for a more peaceful, responsible and united society.